Potentiometric screen-printed electrodes were constructed for Th(iv) determination in water samples. The optimized electrodes exhibited fast response time, wide linear range, low detection limit and high selectivity towards Th(iv) ions.
Uranium is the backbone
of the nuclear fuel used for energy production
but is still a hazardous environmental contaminant; thus, its removal
and recovery are important for energy security and environmental protection.
So far, the development of biocompatible, efficient, economical, and
reusable adsorbents for uranium is still a challenge. In this work,
a new orange peel biochar-based hydrogel composite was prepared by
graft polymerization using guar gum and acrylamide. The composite’s
structural, morphological, and thermal characteristics were investigated
via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope
(SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)
methods. The composite’s water absorption properties were investigated
in different media. The performance of the prepared composite in adsorbing
uranium (VI) ions from aqueous media was systematically investigated
under varying conditions including solution’s acidity and temperature,
composite dose, contact time, and starting amount of uranium. The
adsorption efficiency increased with solution pH from 2 to 5.5 and
composite dose from 15 to 50 mg. The adsorption kinetics, isotherms,
and thermodynamics parameters were analyzed to get insights into the
process’s feasibility and viability. The equilibrium data were
better described through a pseudo-second-order mechanism and a Langmuir
isotherm model, indicating a homogeneous composite surface with the
maximum uranium (VI) adsorption capacity of 263.2 mg/g. The calculated
thermodynamic parameters suggested that a spontaneous and endothermic
process prevailed. Interference studies showed high selectivity toward
uranium (VI) against other competing cations. Desorption and recyclability
studies indicated the good recycling performance of the prepared composite.
The adsorption mechanism was discussed in view of the kinetics and
thermodynamics data. Based on the results, the prepared hydrogel composite
can be applied as a promising, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and efficient
material for uranium (VI) decontamination.
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